Improve the Air Quality

During the winter, if the indoor air quality is not ideal, you may notice increased symptoms of allergies and asthma. There are many factors that can reduce your air quality, including mold spores and dust mites. The most important thing you can do to help improve the air quality is to change the filter. A new air filter will be more effective at trapping allergens like mold spores and dust mites as they flow through your home’s air ducts. Plus, changing your air filter keeps your heater from having to work so hard, so changing the filter may increase your system’s lifespan. If you are not sure how often to check the filter, make sure to contact us and we can advise you on the correct schedule.

Air filters catch bigger particles like dust, but they are not great at catching smaller particles like bacteria and viruses. During cold and flu season, you need all the protection you can get from these airborne pathogens. One way to eliminate them from your air, thus improving your air quality, is with a UV light air purifier. UV light air purifiers suck in air from your home and treat it with powerful UV rays. The UV radiation kills 99% of foreign contaminants in the air and also keeps your HVAC system from becoming a breeding ground for these pathogens.

Also check for mold around your home. Mold is one of the biggest threats to air quality. Even if you are not overtly allergic to mold, some species of mold release toxins that can cause respiratory symptoms like sneezing and wheezing. Mold only grows in moist environments, and one possible source of unchecked moisture in the home is leaky appliances. Check around your refrigerator for puddles, which may indicate that the ice maker, condensate hose, or water dispenser are leaking. Also, open your sink cabinet and watch for leaks and drips as you run the garbage disposal. If these or any of your other appliances are leaking, have them repaired or replaced to eliminate moisture, mold, and the poor air quality it causes. You can also contact us and we can inspect your HVAC system to ensure it is operating properly this winter.